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WEED 101

Marijuana, pot, grass, Mary Jane, weed, and ganja; regardless of what it is called, Cannabis has come a long way from its peace-loving reputation of the ‘70s and prior, as well as a number of stigmas that have now gone up in smoke.

Story By Laurene LeBel

In the words of William Shakespeare, “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet”; and in this day in age, Cannabis (now the more commonly used nomenclature), has as many means of ingestion and useful purposes, as it does names. 

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Smoking

Smoking is the most common and well-known form of marijuana consumption. Oftentimes, the marijuana is rolled into a cigarette or joint, with tobacco rolling papers. Similarly, a blunt is a cigar that has replaced tobacco with weed, then smoked. Other methods include smoking out of a pipe, bowl, bubbler, hookah, or a bong. If some people don’t have access to these items, they may even get creative and make their own fixture out of something like an apple. 

Vaping

This method of ingestion has recently grown more popular. A vaporizer serves as a less harmful device, as the active ingredients inside heats the marijuana to a point just before burning. Vaporizers are typically small, hand-held devices that allow for a minimal smoke or marijuana scent. 

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Oral Ingestion

Edibles are the growing, popular, and “easier” way to get a high. Of course, everyone has heard of baking this drug into your brownies, but now, they are being placed into much more. In the state of Massachusetts, where marijuana is legal, dispensaries offer cookies, gummy bears, fruit chews, chocolate bars and more; all containing marijuana. More recently, it’s been added into beverages- expanding the market even more. 

Topical Methods

A topical method is a unique method, as it includes products such as ointments and salves that are placed directly on the skin. Topical oils are extracted from marijuana plants and are used to relieve muscle pain or soreness. This form of “ingestion” will not create a high, but rather serve as a medical purpose and benefit to your body’s needs. 


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With the ever-growing cannabis products on the market another great way for people to expand their palette (so to speak), would be for the individual to focus on what their desired outcome would be after consuming a product. These days cannabis and cannabis related products can help replace that morning cup of coffee to start the day or help you wind down at night after a long day at the office – or home schooling. Below are some different ways cannabis and related products may enhance your experience.

Energize 

CBD has been reported to not only assist with medical conditions, but also serves as a stimulant in providing energy. With a lower dose (less than 15 mg), CBD may give you the energy you need. Some products that can be ingested to assist in this process include CBD capsules, a CBD Essential Oil Roll-on, and even bath bombs. 

Focus

Cannabis is often used to help people with conditions such as ADD/ADHD. When performing tasks such as writing a paper, completing a project, etc., you may feel as if it’s difficult to focus for a long period of time, as the work may be boring. Across dispensaries in Massachusetts, along with more generic products that can be found online, some cannabis products that enhance focus are cannabis flower, gummies, CBD oil, etc. All these products are THC or CBD dominant, and may be what you need to assist you in staying focused. 

Calm

Anxiety is extremely high in America, especially right now, in the midst of a pandemic. To release some of that unwanted/needed stress, CBD can do the trick! While CBD comes in a variety of forms, some popular ones include capsules, oils, tinctures, and gummies. If you take the proper dosage, anxiety can be released, and proper body functions can be restored.

Fruit Chews From INSA

Fruit Chews From INSA

Relief

As there are many methods to relieve pain or soreness within your body, cannabis is a big one. Specific product types such as topicals (ointments/salves) can be rubbed directly on and absorbed in your skin, allowing for a sense of relief. Theory Wellness offers admirable topicals- perfect for the springtime, with the increase of outdoor activities. 

Sleep

Sleep can be achieved with just about any cannabis product. Contradictory of taking a lower dosage to feel energized, a higher dosage creates minimal energy and fatigue. Dispensaries offer sleep specified gummies, capsules, oils, and more. 


The cannabis market is growing and expanding daily with new products and means of enhancing anyone’s cannabis experience. Take a trip to your local dispensary today and make a point to talk to the budtender – let them serve as your guide.

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Basic Cannabis Anatomy